Boy Mom?

As a mommy to a little girl, I was a major expert on pink, ruffles and bows. (Although I can't get my 2 year old to wear a bow in her hair--where have I gone wrong??) But being a boy mom is new territory! The good news is--the diaper changes are not as bad as I expected thanks to some good tips from friends, and the clothes are way cuter than I thought!

And the best part is this boyish grin:)

When I found out I was having a boy, I created this layout about my thoughts on the subject.

I used one of my favorite color combos--blue and yellow!

I also brought in my scallop punch, and some woodgrain. And a bow! Who says you can't have bows on boy pages? (at least this one is blue!)

Reading this layout takes me right back to the excitement and anticipation of pregnancy. I love being pregnant, but the newborn phase is much harder for me. Adding in Moshe's crazy birth, and this newborn adjustment was even harder. But every day gets better, and I'm falling more in love with my new life and sweet boy every day.

Boy Mama-hood--new territory indeed.

So tell me, what are YOUR favorite colors for boy layouts?

Five on Friday

Hello friends!  Although I've been in hibernation (a tiny baby + toddler + starting back at work part time will do that to you) I'm popping in to share some fun finds that I've been enjoying lately!

Today, I'm linking up with some fun blogs for Five on Friday!

ONE

These amazing printable cards--perfect for Project Life, home decor (how cute would they be framed as part of a photo gallery?) and just general loveliness.

If you love them, go and get them here.  I'm not paid for this or anything, I'm just pretty much obsessed with everything Liz Tamanaha does!

TWO

This shell from Ann Taylor Loft, now only $26.99!

Now, let me tell you something about this shirt.  Ladies, as you may already know or will one day find out, when you carry a baby for nine months and then give birth, your body does not go back to normal right away. Not at all [insert wild laughter]. A shirt like this, with a loose fit and tiered ruffles down the front, is lifesaving. Not to mention the pretty design that directs your eye to the top!  I bought this and am in love.

THREE

This year was the year I discovered coffee creamer. I only have a spoonful in each cup, but it adds an amazing hint of sweetness and flavor! I have a near obsession with this flavor:

Seriously, this is just as good as it looks. Vanilla, cinnamon, sweetness, and a hint of spice. Amazing. When can anything Cinnabon not be amazing!

FOUR

This is starting to go in a food direction, but one item that should really be on every 5 on Friday is this.

Donuts. I've loved them since I was little, and that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon!

FIVE

If you've read this post, then you know that I have a passion for British history, and I've been very into the Wars of the Roses lately.

I finally received my White Queen Season DVD, and I can't wait to watch. I saw the first episode online and was hooked, so I decided to order the season to watch over maternity leave. My leave was over by the time this arrived, but I'm still looking forward to digging in when I can!

So tell me, what is one (or five) thing on your mind this Friday?

And check out the full Five on Friday link-up here!

{Ellie} Life Right Now

On February 1st, my little Ellie turned two.

Has it really been a mere 730 days since this?

And what about this?

At two, Ellie is running around (she has this funny gallop-run I love), learning new things every day, and talking all the time. Her new thing is calling me "Mommy! Keshet!" which is alternately said innocently and mischievously, so I'm not sure how to respond to it.

She's also very empathetic. The other day I was talking on the phone, upset, and when I hung up, she patted my arm and asked seriously, "What happen, sweetie?"

As a new big sister, she loves her brother so much.

The other day, she discovered this one-eyed bear that used to be Steve's. Now he gets a lot of baby-themed TLC, although he also spends quite a bit of time in time out.

And I couldn't mention Ellie at two without highlighting "the friends"--these guys go wherever Ellie goes, and if any of them disappear, Lord help us.

I give  you Bunny, Bear and Cat Paci in all their glory:

Ellie at two is way better than I could have ever imagined in that hospital room on February 1st, 2012. I can't wait to see who she becomes down the road, but the Ellie of today is so sweet, funny and special.

Happy Birthday, baby girl. May I never forget this part right now.

Blog Your Heart February

I'm a huge fan of Stephanie Howell's Blog Your Heart link-up, so I'm joining in for another month!

The deal is below: 

1. Blog whatever is authentic. Whatever is truly on your mind and in your heart.

2. It can be serious, silly, short, long. NOTE:No one said it has to be serious. But it should be authentic.

3. No judging allowed no snarky comments, no making fun, no passive agressive digs.If you are going to read the blogs linked below, don't be mean. Nothing here is whining, though I can't help it if you perceive it that way. It's me honestly sharing my feelings. if you feel that it's whining, then you don't have to read. :)

1. Today is my first day transitioning back to work (I'm working part time from home for a few weeks before going back-back) and I'm nervous. Life already feels so full and busy, I'm not sure how I'll add in work!  Here's hoping this baby will have a bedtime before too long.

2. Speaking of bedtime, WHEN WILL THIS BABY HAVE A BEDTIME? Not that I'm concerned about it or anything. I just need some mama time to count on in the evenings!

3. Ellie has been taking her bunny, bear and "cat paci" everywhere these days. We call them "the friends." It's pretty cute.

4. I alternate between feeling super on top of life and super behind on life. If anything, I feel like if I hit a point where the house is clean, my emails are up to date, and the to-dos have been checked off, I wait about 5 minutes and then all is crazy again. I'm just hoping this is normal:) 

5. I still haven't scrapbooked a layout about baby Moshe. Not to mention that I'm about 5 weeks behind on Project Life. But, my photo printer is now fixed and ready to go, so scrapbook room, here we come!

What's on YOUR mind today?

Check out the rest of the link-up here!